As the world is getting older, we are now faced with problems like ozone layer depletion, the greenhouse effect, and global warming. All these problems are interrelated. Combined together, they are creating ways for the end of the world.
However, we have the power to stop the end from arriving. Well, at least we definitely have the power to make it slower.
If you are thinking about using solar panels and using the solar rays as a source of energy for various purposes, thank you. I am grateful that you are thinking about the health of the earth by thinking about conservation and are switching to these renewable sources of energy.
But did you know that there are different types of solar panels? In this article, I am going to guide you through a specific type of solar panel and help you understand it better. If you want to learn more, stick till the end…
What Are Polycrystalline Solar Panels?
Also known as Multicrystalline solar panels, these are the ones where the photovoltaic (PV) cells have several silicon crystals in them. Numerous fragments of silicon crystals are melted together to create the wafers or sheets of the polycrystalline panels.
These solar panels convert the heat energy that they absorb from the sun and convert it into electrical energy. This is the reason they are used in massive farms, and they provide energy to the nearby areas.
There is another kind of solar panel. This is known as the monocrystalline solar panel. Want to know which is better: monocrystalline vs polycrystalline solar panels? Scroll down.
Monocrystalline Solar Panels VS Polycrystalline Solar Panels
The name says it all. You guessed it right!
While polycrystalline panels are made up of PV cells that have several silicon crystals, the monocrystalline panels are made up of only one crystal of silicon.
A solar panel that consists of PV cells that has only one silicon crystal is called a monocrystalline solar panel. The cells are made up of a single cylindrical block or ingot that is grown from one crystal of silicon.
In order to make the sheets or wafers of the panels, this single ingot of silicon is sliced. The silicon crystal that it is made from is of very high quality. This is the reason why the monocrystalline panels have a higher rate of efficiency than the polycrystalline ones.
What happens as a result of the higher efficiency rate? When the solar panels have a high rate of efficiency, it means that they will produce a greater kilowatt per hour of electricity. This is the reason why, when buying solar panels, experienced individuals look for the rate of efficiency.
In other words, one monocrystalline panel will do the job of at least ten polycrystalline panels. The rate of efficiency of the former is 15% to 21%. In contrast, the latter has an efficiency rate of up to 14%.
If you think that you do not have much space, you should stick to monocrystalline panels. These will be much more productive. However, higher quality comes with a higher price. This is the reason why monocrystalline panels are more expensive than polycrystalline panels.
What Is The Difference Between Monocrystalline And Polycrystalline Solar Panels?
Want me to make it easier for you to know how polycrystalline and monocrystalline panels are different from each other? I got you covered.
Here are the differences between these two:
| MONOCRYSTALLINE | POLYCRYSTALLINE |
| 1. More efficient | 1. Less efficient |
| 2. Lasts longer | 2. Lasts comparatively less |
| 3. Needs a small area | 3. Needs a large area |
| 4. Black in color | 4. Blue-hued in color |
| 5. More expensive | 5. Less expensive |
| 6. Has higher heat tolerance | 6. Has lesser heat tolerance |
| 7. Made of one silicon crystal | 7. Made of multiple silicon crystals |
Polycrystalline Panels: How Do They Work?
The polycrystalline panels have several silicon crystals in each PV cell. This is the reason why the panels do not allow the electrons to move much in the cell. These panels absorb the heat from the sun. They then convert the heat energy into electric energy.
The application of these polycrystalline panels is easy. They are even suitable for the array with roof mountains. They are mainly used in big solar farms for harnessing solar power. And they are also, eventually, used to supply electricity to the areas that are located nearby.
Advantages
- It is cheaper and more affordable
- They can be used with the technology of inverters
- They can be used in self-powered devices
Disadvantages
- The timespan is lesser than monocrystalline panels
- The rate of efficiency is less, so they produce less power
- Less efficient when there is a lesser light
- They have a much lower heat tolerance
Frequently Asked Questions:-
Ans: Polycrystalline panels are solar panels that are made up of PV cells that have multiple silicon crystals. These are cheaper in price compared to the monocrystalline panels but have a lower rate of efficiency.
Ans: If you are talking about the price, then you can say that it is better to purchase and install polycrystalline panels. However, compared to the former, this one has a much lesser efficiency rate.
Ans: The PV cells of polycrystalline panels are blue-hued. If you use these solar panels, you will need more of them to reach a power output that is equivalent to the monocrystalline panels.
However, there is one major advantage, and that is the fact that it costs much less than the monocrystalline ones. This is because the process of manufacturing is much simpler in this case.
And That’s A Wrap!
If you have been thinking about conserving energy and switching to renewable energy sources, then you should try solar panels. These solar panels convert heat energy that they absorb from the sun to electrical energy. There are two varieties of solar panels: polycrystalline panels and monocrystalline panels.
The polycrystalline panels are the ones where the PV cells have multiple silicon crystals in them. In the case of the monocrystalline panels, the PV cells have only one silicon crystal.
If you want to think about the quality of the panels and want something that is more durable, then you should think about installing a monocrystalline solar panel. This is because they have a higher heat tolerance and last longer; they are also more efficient.
However, if you are thinking about the cost and there is also a large space to cover, polycrystalline panels are your go-to option.
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Ankita Tripathy
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Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.
Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.
